Travel Startups and Innovation News

PhocusWire's in-depth coverage of the startups in the travel, tourism and hospitality industry, featuring news, analysis, interviews, research and more.

Startups are a powerful force driving innovation across the travel industry—from AI-driven personalization and fintech solutions to next-gen mobility and booking platforms. PhocusWire delivers the most relevant travel startups and innovation news, spotlighting emerging companies that are rethinking the way people search, book, and experience travel.

Emerging travel startups and innovations driving the industry forward

Our coverage highlights breakthrough ideas, early-stage funding rounds, and strategic partnerships that bring fresh energy to the travel ecosystem. Whether it's reshaping trip planning, optimizing operations, or solving pain points across the journey, travel startups are challenging incumbents and building the future of travel with agility and purpose.

VIDEO: A reality check on investments and startups in travel
News / Startups
VIDEO: A reality check on investments and startups in travel
By Kevin May | January 10, 2020
In a wide-ranging and no-holds-barred interview conducted during The Phocuswright Conference 2019,... Read More
FCM Travel Solutions invests in business travel startup Shep
News / Startups
FCM Travel Solutions invests in business travel startup Shep
By Jill Menze | January 7, 2020
Shep, one of PhocusWire's Hot 25 Startups for 2019, will lend its browser extension technology to FCM... Read More
The Guild Series B round
News / Startups
Hospitality startup The Guild bags $25M to fuel market expansion
By Steven Lerner | January 6, 2020
The Guild wants to expand its alternative accommodation operations into new cities and develop... Read More
Vervotech startup stage image
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Vervotech enables travel businesses to scale rapidly for the digital era
By Steven Lerner | January 3, 2020
Vervotech is a company that offers AI-based next-gen products built for travel businesses.... Read More
emadri cover image startup stage
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Emadri changes the packing experience for travelers and travel companies
By Steven Lerner | December 31, 2019
Emadri helps travel companies monetize pre-travel shopping and on-trip activities with customized... Read More
VIDEO: Trip Ninja - Summit interview Phocuswright Conference 2019
Interview / Startups
VIDEO: Trip Ninja - Summit interview Phocuswright Conference 2019
By PhocusWire | December 30, 2019
Trip Ninja is a provider in multi-city flight technology, working with online travel agencies to... Read More
Road.Travel in-car
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Road.Travel integrates the travel industry with connected cars
By Steven Lerner | December 20, 2019
Road.Travel is a planner and marketplace for complex itineraries that allows users to personalize and... Read More
VIDEO: Travelstop - Summit pitch Phocuswright Conference 2019
Interview / Startups
VIDEO: Travelstop - Summit pitch Phocuswright Conference 2019
By PhocusWire | December 19, 2019
Travelstop is a modern SaaS platform that simplifies business travel and automates expense management... Read More
startup-funding-2019-2020
News / Startups
VIDEO: Will early stage startup funding make a comeback in 2020?
By Steven Lerner | December 18, 2019
Phocuswright analysts discuss the state of travel startups in 2020 during The Phocuswright Conference... Read More
VIDEO: Fly Money - Summit pitch Phocuswright Conference 2019
Interview / Startups
VIDEO: Fly Money - Summit pitch Phocuswright Conference 2019
By PhocusWire | December 18, 2019
Helping travelers pay like locals: Aggregating and pre-ordering all local payment methods to use... Read More
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September 9, 2025
Precision and predictability for travel marketing: Essential visitor intelligence to drive growth
 In partnership with Zartico, this video series explores the latest trends and delivers practical... Read More
Get real: The power of combining AI with authentic intelligence
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Get real: The power of combining AI with authentic intelligence
Chris Hemmeter from Thayer Investment Partners outlines his thoughts on the importance of balancing AI... Read More
Changing traveler patterns, evolving customer needs drive demand for travel insurance
May 6, 2025
Changing traveler patterns, evolving customer needs drive demand for travel insurance
Travel protection is bringing peace of mind for travelers and positive rewards for suppliers.... Read More